After the song ended Raj called Manik and Inaya on the stage for an engagement. Manik held her hand generally and was about to slide the ring on her finger when suddenly Nandini came there and said,

Nandini:- Stop this engagement.

Raj:- (confused) Nandini beta what happened?

Nandini:- I need to talk to Manik privately.

Manik:- But Nandini, it's my engagement today. How can I go with you like this?

Nandini:- Manik, it's really very important. Please try to understand.

Inaya:- I will come with you.

Nandini:- But….

Manik:- She is my fiance. She has the right to know everything related to me.

Nandini:- Okay.

They went to Manik's room and closed the door so that nobody could listen to their conversation.

Manik:- (impatiently) Now tell me what's so important that you stopped our engagement?

Nandini:- Manik do you remember that night you….

Manik:- Yes I remember, I was drugged by Aryaman. Why are you asking me all those things now?

Nandini:- You were in a coma for three years. So you don't know what happened after that incident.

Manik:- What happened?

Nandini:- Manik, Aarav...Aarav is your son.

Inaya:- (shocked) What???

Inaya was shocked but Manik was totally numb. He didn't know what to do or what to say.

Inaya:- (confused) But you were married right?

Nandini:- No Inaya. I never got married. Raj uncle and Neonika aunty told him a lie so that he wouldn't feel guilty about his past. In fact I agreed to them too as I didn't want to take any help from Malhotras for my son. But today if I don't tell the truth it will be injustice to you, Aarav and him.

Manik:- (whispered) I have a son?

Manik stumbled back and his leg hit the bedside desk causing the bedside lamp to fall down.

Manik:- (happily) My Buddy...he's my son?

Tears were rolling down from his cheeks. It was a mixed feeling for him. He was hurt and guilty but at the same time he was happy. At least he wasn't any stranger to his little buddy. The connection he felt between them wasn't a lie. But more than his happiness his guilt of ruining two lives overpowered him. At that time Raj and Neonika also came there hearing the sound.

Raj:- (worried) What's happening here?

Manik's anger reached another level. He threw the desk in anger and said,

Manik:- (crying badly) Am I fucking toy to you all that you keep playing with me? Why Dad? Why? Why didn't you tell me about my son?

Neonika:- Manik beta listen to me.

Manik:- No Mom, you listen to me. I know you are my parents but that doesn't mean you have the right to cover up everything for me. I am not a kid that you all keep making decisions for me.

Nandini:- (crying badly) But Manik I was at fault too. I also agreed with them and refused to take the Malhotra surname for Aarav. I thought I would raise him alone but I never thought what I would answer when he would ask me about his father.

That's it Manik kicked the bed so hard that the bed slipped to the other corner of the room. Raj immediately held him and tried to calm him down. When Nandini palmed her face shaking in fear.

Manik:- (shouted loudly) Am I that bad that my son can't even have my surname?

Raj:- Manik, please relax.

Manik:- No dad. Today she has to answer me, why can't my son get my surname? Because he was an illegitimate child or you still think that I am mentally not stable enough to take my son's responsibility?

Nandini:- (shouted) No….

Manik:- (crying) Then what's my fault Nandini? What's my fault? Answer me.

Manik was so broken and vulnerable. Every time he tries to overcome his dark past it just pulls him back to the darkness. He keeps suffering without any fault.

Nandini:- (crying badly) You were trying to move on with Inaya and I never wanted to be a burden on you. You have full rights to move on and have a happy family.

Inaya was standing like a statue but hearing her she said,

Inaya:- (smiled) You were wrong Nandini. Even though he tried to move on, you were his first and last love. How could he forget you? You know what you both are just made for each other. You both love each other so much that you both are ready to sacrifice your love for others happiness. I am sorry I suddenly came between you and created misunderstandings between you.

Nandini:- No Inaya please don't say that.

Inaya:- Nandini, Manik never loved me. He loves you and I can't change the truth. So it's better not to spoil three lives. I am sorry Mank. I am calling off this engagement. You guys are meant to be together forever.

Saying this Inaya left there. For a few minutes it was pin drop silence in the room. Then Manik went to Nandini, sat on his knees and said,

Manik:- (joining hands) Nandini I know whatever happened all because of me but please don't take my son away from me. He is a part of my soul. My own flesh and blood. Please don't take him away.

Tears were dropping from their eyes like rain fall. She didn't know what to say. At that time Aarav came into the room with his nanny. Seeing Manik he ran to him and hugged him tightly.

Aarav:- (happily) Buddy I mish you sho much. (Buddy I missed you so much.)

Manik immediately took him in his arms. He felt like he got his life back and started kissing his cheeks.

Manik:- I missed you too Buddy.

Aarav:- We will play play.

Manik:- (smiled) Yes we will play. I will buy you lots of toys. You will never leave me right?

God knows what he understood he nodded his head in no. Manik hugged him tightly. Raj and Neonika smiled at the father and son bonding. Finally their son was happy. What more could they ask for? 

Target:- 225 votes and inline comments.

*****************★*****************
That's it for today. Only a few chapters are remaining to end the story. Are you ready for the last twist? Let me know your opinions by your comments and of course don't forget to vote.
Take care
Bye
Nahar...😘😘😘